The Board of Trustees of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), chaired by Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, convened its first meeting of the year on 29 January 2026 at the Robert B. Banks Auditorium, AIT Conference Center. The meeting was attended by trustees representing governments, academia, industry, alumni, and international organizations.
As the Board enters a transition period with several leadership terms concluding on 31 January 2026, key appointments were approved to ensure continuity and effective governance. General Dr. Boonsrang Niumpradit was appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees, succeeding Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama. On behalf of the Institute, AIT President Professor Pai-Chi Li expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Anat for his instrumental role in guiding AIT through particularly challenging periods, including the COVID-19 crisis and leadership transitions.
In his farewell remarks, Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama expressed his gratitude for the trust and support extended to him by the Board, Executive Committee, AIT leadership, and the wider AIT community, and conveyed his confidence that the same support would be given to his successor
The Board also appointed Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum as the new Chairperson of the Executive Committee, succeeding Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach. Dr. Anat, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to both, Mr. Chaiwat and Mr. Chaovalit Ekabut for their valuable leadership and contributions in their roles as Chairman of the Executive Committee and Audit Committee respectively.
The terms of H.E. Ms. Ping Kitnikone, Ambassador of Canada to Thailand, and Dr. Sarasin Viraphol, Executive Vice President of CP Group, were renewed, and three new trustees were appointed: Mr. Lee Pit Teong, Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, and Dr. Sorapop Kiatpongsan. The Board further acknowledged with appreciation the valuable contributions of trustees who have completed or will be completing their terms, namely H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India; H.E. Mr. Tumur Amarsaana, Ambassador of Mongolia; H.E. Mr. Rachmat Budiman, Ambassador of Indonesia; H.E. Mr. Khamphan Anlavan, Ambassador of Lao PDR; and Dr. Phasin Suebsubanunt, Trustee and Member of the Executive Committee.
The Board received updates on major institutional initiatives, which included a Report from the Executive Committee, the AIT Speedboat Program: A New Paradigm for Professional Higher Education, the FY2025 financial results, the proposed FY2026 budget, progress on institutional priorities presented by AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li, and the implementation of the AIT Strategy Blueprint. The Board approved the FY2026 budget, and AIT Speedboat Program, with implementation to be overseen by the President.
The next meeting of the AIT Board of Trustees will be held on 25 August 2026.
